An IV drug user is diagnosed to have infective endocarditis involving the tricuspid valve. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Description: Prosthetic valve endocarditis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Many of these strains are resistant to methicillin. It usually involves the tricuspid valve. Prosthetic valve endocarditis usually occur within 2 months of valve surgery. It is usually due to an intraoperative contamination of prosthesis or due to a bacteremic postoperative complication. This type is usually caused by S. aureus, Coagulase-negative staphylococci, facultative gram-negative bacilli, diphtheroids, and fungi. Ref: Karchmer A.W. (2012). Chapter 124. Infective Endocarditis. In D.L. Longo, A.S. Fauci, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, J.L. Jameson, J. Loscalzo (Eds),Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e.
Category:
Microbiology
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